The Facts
Elon Musk's brain-chip start-up Neuralink has started recruiting people for its first human trial.
Neuralink said Tuesday that it's looking for participants with paralysis due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ("ALS") for the study, which will take about six years to complete.
The Spin
Narrative A
There are just too many red flags to allow Neuralink to conduct human trials. The FDA previously rejected the company’s application due to safety issues, and there were allegations of animal suffering. Neuralink’s plan should not go forward.
Narrative B
FDA approval of human trials shows the US government believes the company is ready for this momentous step. Similar devices have already been implanted in human subjects by rival companies and are generating positive results. Neuralink should go ahead with this exciting advancement.
